Adversities brought out the best in me: Laxman

VVS Laxman, who retired from international cricket just before the start of the home Tests against New Zealand has reckoned that the ability to perform under pressure was his biggest strength as a batsman.

The 37 year old former middle order batsman said that he enjoyed the challenge of being put under pressure and some of his best cricket came during those times.

"I used to love playing under tough situations when the team was under pressure. Adversities brought out the best in me. I guess it came from having to be the main batsman for Hyderabad since a young age", he said.

"I was used to taking up more responsibility when the team was struggling. More than the technique and the skill set, I think the ability to come good in pressure situations was my biggest strength as a batsman" said Laxman, whose sudden decision to quit the game triggered speculation of a strained relationship with his captain M S Dhoni.

Laxman did not agree to the general feeling that he was more of an 'artist' saying that his prime objective was to score runs for his team.

"I've always considered myself as a batsman who has to get runs for the country. Every individual has a different style. But your role is to get results for the team. My role was to get the runs and take the catches that came my way", Laxman told www.bcci.tv, the official website of the Indian board.

"It doesn't matter what kind of shots you play to get those runs and whether it is pleasing to the eye. All that is the by-product of what you're trying to achieve for the team. I thank the Almighty for the talent to please the eyes of those who watch me bat. But my only aim when I went out to bat was to get runs for the team", he explained.

Asked about his relationship with his peers, Laxman was lavish in his praise of Sachin, Rahul, Sourav and Kumble.

"Tendulkar's balance is brilliant. He has the most balanced stance that I've seen. Rahul stood out for the professionalism and his temperament. Kumble had a never-say-die attitude and the fighting spirit. Sourav, for the grace and the courage to take the fight to the opposition, to protect his and his team's pride", he said.

Of the younger generation, Laxman heaped praises on Virender Sehwag saying that the Najafgarh batsman has good temperament and 'unbelievable' shots in his armor.

"It's just unreal. Sehwag is one batsman I really love watching bat. Some of the shots that he plays are unbelievable".

"People mostly talk about Sehwag's skills and the ability to hit the ball. But for me what stands out is his temperament. Irrespective of whether he's in form or not, he sticks to his game plan and believes in himself. Sometimes, I wondered why can't we all play like he does?", he said.